Abstract
Strong communications skills are one of the most coveted capabilities in the workplace today. Within two-way communication, listening is often overlooked as a critical skill. While there have been many theories and skill-based training around listening, it is difficult to find a consistent, global definition to listening. This lack of definition makes is challenging to assess what “good” listening skill entails. Moreover, this lack of definition creates a gap in understanding effective measures for listening in the workplace, particularly in assessing the supervisor/subordinate relationship. This study focused on understanding listening in the workplace. In particular, this study looked at employee perceptions of manager listening skills and the impact it had on perceptions of leadership effectiveness and the supervisor/subordinate relationship. The findings demonstrated a connection between employee perceptions of manager listening behaviors to perceptions of manager leadership effectiveness and supervisor/subordinate relationships.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Listening; Supervision of employees; Leadership
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Miriam Lacey
Recommended Citation
Song, Esther, "Employee perception of manager listening behaviors and the impacts on the supervisor-subordinate relationship" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1666.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1666